An unidentified woman packs up her belongings in a makeshift homeless camp across from the Denver Rescue Mission Monday, March 7, 2016, in downtown Denver. City officials are planning to start evicting people on Tuesday, March 8, from the homeless camps that have popped up around homeless shelters and in public places around the Mile High City. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

DENVER | A half-dozen protesters were escorted out of a public forum to demand an end to Denver’s urban camping ban.

The protesters want the police department to end nightly sweeps of homeless camps or tents around the city.

Mayor Michael Hancock held the forum on Saturday to discuss needs in the community.

According to KMGH-TV Denver’s 7 (https://tinyurl.com/gmu84rz), Hancock said it is safer for people to be indoors rather than outdoors on the street.

Critics say the plans needs to address short- and long-term housing needs for the homeless.